Blessed Miguel Pro

Saint and Martyr

Like many countries Mexico too had its problems, an evolving democracy supported by Benito Juarez soon gave way to his growing greed for power at any cost. Therefore among his causalities was the Catholic Church as government repression tried to suppress the Church's unique place in the culture of Mexico.

Though Mexico suffered through wars most especially with France as Napoleon had designs on Mexico, the Juarez government fled and in its place for a short period of time was Archduke Maximilian of Austria, but still the people were restless.

Juarez would return to Mexico and once again resume power, but this time all pretences of democracy were abandoned in favour of outright dictatorship! And through the policies of Juarez the Mexican people suffered great poverty and hardship as the rich grew richer and the poor became poorer.

But Juraez was once again to flee his country when he was forced to resign in 1911. This followed many toppling governments and regimes, and ushered in the government of Calles when he took the Presidency. This was a time of even further turmoil for the Catholic Church under the restrictive government of Calles, as persecution became the order of the day.

But before these persecutions took effect was born one Miguel Pro, who was lovingly welcomed into his large Mexican family of very devout Catholics, in the year 1891. Miguel from early in his age showed himself to be a prankster who loved jokes, and making people laugh, even if it meant making a spectacle of himself. He brought much joy into the Pro family although at times his parents had to gently discipline their prankster son.

But through Miguel’s humour it helped the family cope with the increasing persecutions of the Mexican Regime, and this young man was to become greatly loved by all who met him.

And though for a while Miguel drifted from his Faith, it was due to the influence of his loving but faith filled parents that Miguel did not stray far, he soon returned to his Faith, much to his parents joy!

Miguel along with two other members of his family felt a calling to the Religious life, and so in 1911 he entered the Order of the Jesuits. But his Religious life did not evolve smoothly due to the persecutions being waged in Mexico. His superiors decided to smuggle Miguel out of Mexico and so the poor lad took refuge in Texas before travelling on to Belgium, where he took his Holy Vows, in 1925.

But Fr. Miguel loved his native land and he returned to Mexico in 1926. But he also returned to a country that was living under tyranny as many Catholics were persecuted, and Priests were ordered not to take part in any public worship.

This did not deter Fr. Miguel one bit as he with great cunning outwitted the authorities and welcomed many to Mass which was held in the greatest secrecy. At times when the officials were getting too close Fr. Miguel would pretend to be a mechanic, or he would pretend to be on dates with young ladies, who would protect him as they helped him administer the Sacraments to the people.

The people loved Fr. Miguel who despite such subterfuges, kept the Faith alive and strong in his parishioners, as well as a humorous jokes and simple fun to help alleviate everyone’s fear. He also with great risk to himself help carry food and other needed necessities to the poor in his area.

But time was running out for Fr. Miguel and upon an assassination attempt on the President, the authorities arrested both Fr. Miguel and his brothers.

Fr. Miguel with his brothers were led to a firing squad and as one of the soldiers approached and begged the forgiveness of Fr. Miguel which he freely gave with these words, "You have not only my forgiveness but my thanks". And when facing the firing squad he told all the soldiers gathered for this dreadful deed, "May God forgive you all". And with these words ringing in the air "Viva Cristo Rey"! The firing squad opened fire and though Fr. Miguel was wounded as none of the soldiers had the heart to be the ones who killed a Holy Priest, hence the general walked over and fired the shot that killed Fr. Miguel.

Father Miguel died by execution in 1927.

Blessed Father Miguel Pro was beatified in 1988 by Pope John Paul ll.

Father Miguel had once told a friend if ever he were caught and was killed upon reaching Heaven he would perform a Mexican hat dance, in case he met any long faced Saints. Indeed Blessed Miguel Pro was one of a kind, and beloved by ALL.

Peace of Christ to you ALL

Copyright © 2005 Marie Smith. All rights reserved.

St Gemma Galgani

Just as France was in political turmiol, Italy did not fair much better, for they too were placed in a difficult position by the Franco/Prussian war. But it was in the year 1870 that France withdrew its garrison from Rome, which left the Holy city exposed and Pope Pius IX in an invidious position, where he described himself a prisoner in the Vatican. This difficulty with the Holy See would not be resolved until the concordant of 1929.

To help establish some form of stability, the government of the day decided to form a Monarchy once Italy had been unified, and recognised as a country in its own right. Hence in 1878 the throne went to King Umberto I.

And it was in the year 1878 that Gemma Galgani was born into a prosperous family in the Lucca area of Italy. The Galgani's Henry and Aurelia were noted as devout Catholics, and a loving family which consisted of eight children.

Both parents of Gemma made sure to instruct all their children as to the tenets of their faith, and it was Aurelia Galgani who especially revered and taught her children a deep love of Christ and Him Crucified.

Sadly Aurelia did not live a long life and died when Gemma was only 8 years old. As one can imagine, little Gemma was devastated to lose the Mother she so loved. But even from this early age, Gemma was experiencing Mystical moments with our Lord.

Henry Galgani decided to send his daughter to a boarding school, in the hope that they would teach her the fine arts of cooking and managing a home, but, also to instruct her in the Faith. Gemma did well in school and proved herself to be an apt pupil and it was because of her religious knowledge and devoutness that Gemma was given permission to receive her first Communion at the early age of 9 years.

But once again the shadow of death loomed over the Galgani family, and in 1897 Gemma's beloved father died, and it was then that the family discovered that due to some corrupt business men, the remaining Galgani children were left penniless.

Through this difficult time Gemma too became very ill, as abscesses formed and she became deaf, she was visited by a religious Sister, who took pity upon her and left her a prayer card. Gemma began praying to Brother Gabriel who had been in the Passionist Order, her prayers were answered and Gemma was miraculously healed.

During this illness, it was discovered that Gemma was receiving Divine help and intercession, she heard our Lord speaking to her and also, Brother Gabriel appeared to her and revealed to her that she too would be his Sister in the same Order. Father Gabriel would later be Canonized by the Church.

But it was on the Feast of the Sacred Heart that Gemma had a most profound experience, and felt such a grief over her own sins this sadness pierced her very soul. It was then that our Lord and Lady appeared before Gemma, where our Lady placed her Mantle over Gemma, whilst our Lord opened the wounds he had suffered, whilst fire poured forth from each wound and Gemma then received the Stigmata.

Upon these occurrences Gemma spoke to Father Cajetan, he gave her permission to take private Vows, and arranged a better style of living arrangement for this very devout young lady. Gemma was to be welcomed in by the prominent Gianini family and it was while staying with the Gianini family that Gemma met Father Germano, a fortuitous meeting.

Father Germano was a well known Scholar of great repute when writing about Mystical theology, he was also at the time he met Gemma, working on the Beatification process of Brother Gabriel.

Gemma had always led a deep prayer life and was the recipient of many extraordinary events including the Stigmata; she also had many encounters with her Angels, Brother Gabriel, Our Lord and Lady. But this holy soul also battled with the demons and the devil himself, as he tried to destroy this Holy girl from spreading the love of Jesus.

The one thing that was truly exceptional about this holy soul was her devout love and obedience to our Lord and Saviour and the Catholic Church. Gemma was a humble soul, who when she was in prayer, requested that our Lord remove the visible stigmata in favour of the invisible, our Lord granted her request. This saved Gemma from being the centre of attention, when what she wanted to do, was for everyone to focus and stay focussed on our Lord and not herself, no wonder Satan fought bitterly with her!

Gemma was fearless when encountering the devil, and though he tried to torment her and discourage her, Gemma instead threw herself more and more and with great Confidence into the arms of our Lord and Lady. It was at this time that Gemma requested in prayer to our Lord to become a victim soul for the salvation of souls, once again Jesus accepted her request.

Gemma became very ill in the year 1902 and during this most distressing of times, her valour and courage was extraordinary. She fought off attacks by the devil as he tempted her to despair, but through all these attacks, through her immense pain and anguish Gemma never once lost nor even questioned her Faith, she simply trusted in our Lords Love, and prayed constantly.

Gemma Galgani died in the year 1903, she was only 25 years old.

St. Gemma Galgani was canonized in 1940 by Pope Pius Xll.

Peace of Christ to you ALL

Copyright © 2005 Marie Smith. All rights reserved.

Blessed Frederick Ozanam

From the French Revolution onwards, France and its people were to endure much hardship and tragedy, the Catholic Church was also not exempt from this climatic time. For Napoleon was to drag the country almost to utter destruction, but the French people are resilient, and the Church strong and firm, they would both withstand Napoleon's machinations!

Napoleon was to lead France into a terrible abyss of misery and misfortune, because of his uncontrollable ego! From an unsuccessful attempt to invade Russia in 1812, to holding captive the Pope in 1814, this action was taken when Pope Pius Vll excommunicated Napoleon. But like all tyrants Napoleon met his end at Waterloo!

So France was in desperate need of a person of Frederick Ozanam's stature and character, let us examine this son of France.

Frederick was born in the city of Lyon to what would become a very large family in the year 1813, to very proud parents Jean and Marie Ozanam. The family would grow to encompass 14 children, which was not unusual for those times.

His father was a professional, so the family was not poor though they were not of the aristocracy either. But Frederick was blessed with a curious mind and longed to learn new things and be able to discuss these with his family and friends. He longed to study literature and the arts, but his father wished for him to study law, and though Jean was a doctor by trade, he wanted his son to expand the family’s connections in the wider community.

Frederick was an obedient son, so he did as his father wished, and studied law at the Sorbonne. These were difficult years for Frederick as he searched for some meaning in his life, and to ask questions about life and Faith, he had struggled in his teens to define what exactly Faith meant to the ordinary man in the street.

It was at a discussion group that Frederick found himself challenged by the very questions he had been asking deep within his own heart. When a fellow student asked Frederick what exactly Faith meant especially as there was so much poverty, and while many discussed the appalling conditions of the poor, was it all just mere talk and little action.

Frederick after this discussion decided to take a friend and go and visit the poor, to find out for himself who was helping the needy and destitute.

What Frederick saw compelled him to take action, as he visited the poor in their homes, hospitals and prisons, Fredericks soul was on fire with a longing to offer common sense help to these impoverished people.

It was when he was about 20 years old that he met an amazing Religious, Sister Rosalie Rendu, who belonged to 'The Daughters of Charity', founded by Saints Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marrilac.

This humble nun was to provide the need and the knowledge to help the poor as Frederick wished to do, with common sense and a spirit of self reliance that the underprivileged so needed.

For Frederick did not wish to merely apply bandaids to a gaping wound, but, to help the people raise themselves above their humble births through education and trades. This would allow them the dignity to become self reliant and to support themselves and their families.

It was a grand scheme but Frederick, Sister Rosalie and many of their friends and supporters were more than ready to meet them. And with true zeal they set about their purpose of helping the poor become self sufficient, whilst at the same time, befriending them, in a spirit of mutual respect. So was the beginning of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

But love also came into Frederick’s life in the form of the lovely Amelie Soulacroix, whom he married in 1841. Upon marrying he returned to the academic life as a lecturer of great standing, and his students loved him and were often challenged by his way of thinking.

Whilst teaching at the Sorbonne, and also helping the Society of St. Vincent de Paul which had grown to approx 25 conferences, this was to take up much of Fredericks spare time. But true joy was to come into Frederick’s life with the birth of his only child, Marie in 1845, he was a very proud father and also a wonderful husband to Amelie, who grew concerned over Fredericks health.

So it was in 1846 that the Ozanam family decided to visit Italy in the hope of restoring Fredericks health, they stayed a year before returning to their beloved, France.

But Amelie was to remain concerned for Frederick and his enduring love of the poor, which took a heavy toll on his frail health. As the need grew for assistance so did the Society and Frederick was committed to helping the poor, help themselves.

As always the political turmoil in France was no help, as it underwent yet another revolution in the year 1848, but Frederick would find aid in neighbouring countries who also had started their own St. Vincent de Paul Societies.

But unfortunately Frederick paid a heavy price for his long work in aid of the needy and lonely and in setting up the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, in a spirit of charity and companionship. This led to many other countries beginning their own Vincentian Societies based on the Rule of Frederick Ozanam.

Frederick Ozanam died in 1853 at only 40 years of age.

He was beatified by Pope John Paul ll in 1997.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul still flourishes world wide to this day an enduring legacy of the love Frederick displayed towards the poor.

Peace of Christ to you ALL.

Copyright © 2005 Marie Smith. All rights reserved.